The governor has signed a bill to start changing the look of the signs denoting parking spaces for people with disabilities. The new signs will replace the image of a person sitting passively in a wheelchair with a more active one.
The new symbol, the “Modified International Symbol of Access,” suggests independence and engagement, and focuses on the person rather than the chair, according to the governor’s office.
The signs also replace the phrase “handicapped parking” with “reserved parking.”
“Connecticut for decades has been at the forefront in fighting discrimination against persons with disabilities, and adopting this modernized symbol and updated language is a simple step that can go a long way towards changing attitudes and raising awareness,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement. “This is another way Connecticut is leading, and I am proud to sign this bill into law. I want to thank the residents who approached my office with this proposal and the legislators who voted in favor of this update.”
The new signs will only be installed when a new accessible parking space is created and needs a sign, or when an old sign becomes damaged or weathered and necessitates replacement.
All signs currently in use that use the previous symbol will remain until they need to be replaced, so the changes will come at no additional cost to taxpayers or businesses, according to Malloy's office.
